Phase Two of the Peloponnesian War, also known as the Peace of Nicias and Sicilian Expedition, started in the year 426. Sparta and Athens had signed the Peace of Nicias pact. However Athens, hungry to expand its reign, broke the truce not long after. This was the official start of Phase Two, named after the truce and Italy's island Sicily.
Athens decided to launch an attack on Syracuse, Sicily, which was where Sparta was getting its food from. Alcibiades and Nicias were chosen to lead the attack. But, the night before they set off, a bunch of good-luck statues were broken in Athens and Alcibiades was blamed, so he was not allowed to carry out as a leader for the important attack. Alcibiades ended up running away and joining Sparta. Without Alcibiades, Athens couldn't fight nearly as well (and Alcibiades gave Spartans advice on how to fight Athens). This left Nicias in charge of the attack, however he was against the idea of attacking in the first place. This may be why the attempt ended in such a disaster. Because he was getting destroyed, Nicias sent word to Athens asking for reinforcements. Athens sent Demosthenes to lead another fleet to Sicily, joining his forces with those of Nicias. More battles took place, but Athens continued to get stomped on. Demosthenes suggested retreating, but Nicias refused at first. Soon after though, Nicias agreed to retreat. Unfortunately, a lunar eclipse happened, delaying any boats departure. The delay was costly and forced the Athenians into a sea battle in the harbor. The Athenians were thoroughly defeated by Sparta. Nicias and Demosthenes marched what little remaining forces they had left inland in search of friendly allies. The Spartans took the Athenians prisoner and forced to work as slaves.
The Second Phase: Phase 2
Phase Two of the Peloponnesian War, also known as the Peace of Nicias and Sicilian Expedition, started in the year 426. Sparta and Athens had signed the Peace of Nicias pact. However Athens, hungry to expand its reign, broke the truce not long after. This was the official start of Phase Two, named after the truce and Italy's island Sicily.
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